Sault Police remember fallen officers during Tuesday ceremony

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By Staff reports

Sault Ste. Marie Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

By Staff reports

Posted May. 15, 2013 at 1:45 PM

By Staff reports

Posted May. 15, 2013 at 1:45 PM

Sault Ste. Marie

Honoring three fallen officers who died from injuries sustained in the line of duty with the Sault Police Department, Chief John Riley oversaw a Dedication Ceremony Tuesday and Open House at the department’s new home at 401 Hursley Street.

“Like other employees from various professions, law enforcement officers expect to go to work, complete their shifts, and then return safely home to their families,” read Riley from his prepared notes. “Occasionally, the dangers of our chosen profession take some of the lives of those that are sworn to protect society. As police officers, we always have the knowledge of this possibility in the back of our minds. However, we don’t dwell on it. For the sake of our families, we can’t.”

But that didn’t prevent Sault Police, various members of the Sault Ste. Marie City Commission, family members of those lost and other community representatives from recognizing three men who gave their lives for the department.

In a carefully researched presentation, Riley outlined the losses his department has endured over its long history.

• On May 14, 1923, Officer Torrence MacMillan was in the process of searching a room in a residence when he was shot by an occupant of the house. Officer MacMillan passed away from his injuries hours later at the hospital. He was 30-years-old and had served the Sault Police Department for approximately one year at the time of his death.

• On Sept. 13, 1941, Officer Clyde Powell responded to a scene where a man had just murdered a woman. The suspect shot Officer Powell as he approached the home. The suspect was later captured while attempting to escape by boarding a ferry to Canada. Officer Powell passed away hours later at the hospital. He was 26-years old and had served the Sault Police Department for approximately two-and-a-half years at the time of his death.

• On Sept. 13, 1990, Detective John Weir responded to a residence where an unstable man had barricaded himself in the basement. The subject threatened to harm himself or anyone that approached him. Detective Weir started down the stairs to talk the subject into giving up. The subject stabbed Detective Weir — causing severe injuries and leaving him permanently disabled until his passing on November 7, 2004. He was 43-years-old on the day he sustained his injuries with 19 years of service with the Sault Police Department. He was 57-years-old at the time of his passing.

“Today, we dedicate this police station to the memories of these officers,” said Riley. “Please join me in a moment of silence in honor of these brave officers.”

All three fallen officers were represented by family members at Tuesday’s ceremony. Two great nieces, Kathy Agar and Roberta Schubert attended on behalf of their great uncle, Torrence MacMillan, while Judy Pierce represented her distant cousin, Officer Clyde Powell.

Page 2 of 2 - Detective John Weir was represented by numerous family members including his mother, Madelon Weir; his wife, Kathy, who stood by his side throughout the rehabilitation process; his daughter, Jackie; three sisters: Marge, Patty and Nancy; along with other family members, including Tara, Janet and David.

The plaque honoring the three officers was hung in the lobby of the new police station.